Date of Award

4-2023

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Courtney Sumpter

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

My capstone experience took place at Northern Michigan Equine Therapy (NMET) and focused on leadership, administration, advocacy, education, and clinical practice skills. NMETs equine- assisted occupational therapy and HorseSense® self-development programs play an integral role in the northern Michigan community, yet insurance will not cover these services since they are flagged as “alternative” therapies due to utilizing a horse as a therapeutic tool. Because of this NMET relies on donations, grants, and fundraisers for program income. During a SWAT analysis NMET stated their biggest weakness and threat is not having enough program income to hire an additional part-time or full-time salaried occupational therapist (OT) due to the inability to bill insurance for therapy services. During my capstone at NMET I worked on increasing funds through applying for grants, asking for individual donor donations, and organizing fundraisers. Additionally I worked on increasing NMETs social media and community presence to bring awareness to the organization and increase our donor base. Results of my capstone are gaining over $10,000 of funds from grants and individual donations for NMET, with a projected additional $20,000 to be gained from NMETs 10 Year Anniversary Kentucky Derby Party fundraiser in May that I planned during my capstone experience.

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